This particular policy really annoys me. No, scratch that, it really makes me angry. Men and women choose to enlist in the military for a variety of reasons yet if it is found out that they are gay or lesbians, they’re out. And not just out as in their sexuality but out of the military. I don’t understand how fighting a war or taking care of an injured soldier is affected by a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity. How does being gay affect your ability to fire a weapon? Is there some connection between the two that I’m not seeing?
Obviously, the Pentagon sees a problem with LGBT soldiers as they’re taking a “go-slow” strategy. For those in the military they know that approach means it’ll be a “no-go”. Congress is backpedaling and saying that their agenda is just too full to address the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy this year. But maybe next year will be better. Just why aren’t the people we vote into office listening? Is it fear that the supporters of the policy will choose not to reelect those in office now? If that’s the case, then here is something for Republicans, Democrats, and Independents alike to consider, those of us who are against the policy are quite able to choose to elect someone who supports equal rights for all and will push for the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy to be overturned.
A soldier in any branch of the United States military should not have to worry about being discharged due to sexual orientation or gender identity. He or she serves to protect each United States’ citizen and to allow us the freedoms we’ve enjoyed to date. It’s about time those in Washington listen to supporters of gay-rights. Some in Washington are listening but it was the late Ted Kennedy (D-Mass), who was at the forefront of pushing for overturning the policy. Sadly, when he passed away, hopes for getting the policy overturned seemed to have dwindled.
Will it happen next year? Who knows but I for one would like to see such a ridiculous policy disappear.
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